Our history
Our Normandy roots
The history of Laboratoires Gilbert began in France in 1904, when the French botanist and pharmacist Alexandre Gilbert developed the Feuille de Saule cut-to-size plaster for treating corns and calluses within Jacques Batteur’s dispensary. This legacy has been passed down through 3 generations.
In 1962, his pharmacist son Jacques Batteur set up Laboratoires Gilbert in Hérouville Saint-Clair in Normandy, the region where he grew up.
Laurent Batteur took over the reins from his father in 1974, and the company grew exponentially. During his 25 years as head of the group, he created and acquired various companies and made shrewd business investments. As a result, the workforce expanded from 20 employees to over 800, with turnover growing from 400,000 euros to 180 million euros.
1904
Alexandre Gilbert creates the Feuille de Saule plaster
The history of Laboratoires Gilbert began in 1904, when the dispensing pharmacist Alexandre Gilbert developed the Feuille de Saule cut-to-size plaster for treating corns and calluses within Jacques Batteur’s dispensary in Paris.
1962
Laboratoires Gilbert established in Normandy
His pharmacist son Jacques Batteur sets up Laboratoires Gilbert in Hérouville Saint-Clair in Normandy.
1974
Laurent Batteur takes over the reins of Laboratoires Gilbert
Led by Laurent Batteur who took over from his father in 1974, the company enjoys new growth through key investments: new equipment, brand acquisitions and new structures.
1986
Acquisition of the Laino and Luc & Léa brands
Laino: the Group’s first cosmetics brand to be launched on this new market.
Luc et Léa: a baby care brand to add to the children’s offer.
1987
The Parasidose and Moustidose brands are created
To meet the needs of families and their young children who encounter problems with headlice every year, Laboratoires Gilbert create PARASIDOSE, a range of easy-to-use treatments which work faster and more effectively.
1990
First Bottelpack machine is installed for producing sterile single doses
Laboratoires Gilbert begins producing sterile single doses.
1996
Acquisition of Laboratoires Algotherm and the Landerneau site
2001
The Physiodose brand is created
Physiodose by Laboratoires Gilbert is France’s favourite saline solution
2004
Le Comptoir Aroma brand is created
Inspired by expertise passed down from ancient times, Le Comptoir Aroma offers an extensive range of pure essential oils and ready-to-use skincare products for everyday family use.
2006
Acquisition of the Physiolac and Hei Poa brands
2012
Cédric Batteur takes over from his father
In 2012, Cédric Batteur takes over from his father Laurent Batteur as CEO of the Group. Since then, Laurent Batteur has been Chairman of the Group Supervisory Board.
2012
Acquisition of Loubsol
Loubsol is a French brand that has been creating sunglasses and ski goggles since 1948.
2012
Acquisition of the Cosmésoap soap factory based in Falaise
2016
The LG Homéo, Allergyl and Arnicrise brands are created
2017
Bluedose is created
2020
Acquisition of the Laboratoires Cinq Mondes and Biovive
2020
Acquisition of the Arthur et Lola, Bébisol and Sanodiane brands
2020
Snow Group is created
2021
Dentinéa is created
2022
Pierre-Eric Dauxerre is appointed Group Chief Executive Officer
Pierre-Eric Dauxerre is appointed Group Chief Executive Officer. Cédric Batteur joins the Supervisory Board